Net Worth Ranker
What Is Richard Lawson’s Net Worth?
Richard Lawson, a veteran actor with a career spanning several decades, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $1 million. This figure reflects his earnings from a diverse range of roles in film and television, as well as potential income from other ventures.
Richard Lawson’s Career in Film
Lawson’s career began in 1971 with an uncredited role in “Dirty Harry.” His early work included appearances in films such as “Scream Blacula Scream” (1973), where he gained early exposure in the blaxploitation genre. In 1978, he featured in “Coming Home,” an Academy Award-winning drama, and in 1979, he took on a role in the romantic sports comedy “The Main Event.” These roles helped build his profile and establish him as a versatile actor.
The 1980s brought Lawson more prominent roles, including Dr. Ryan Mitchell in the supernatural horror film “Poltergeist” (1982), which grossed $76.6 million worldwide on a budget of $10.7 million. He also played Officer Ed Price in the action crime film “Streets of Fire” (1984), which, despite being a cult classic, had a production budget of $30.8 million but grossed only $8 million domestically. These roles added to his visibility and provided steady income.
After a hiatus from theatrical films, Lawson returned in the late 1990s with a role in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” In the early 2000s, he appeared in crime dramas like “Blue Hill Avenue” and “Black Listed,” as well as the holiday film “Christmas at Water’s Edge.” Later in the decade, he shifted towards comedies, including “Guess Who,” “I’m Through with White Girls,” and “Love for Sale.” For example, “Guess Who” grossed $95.9 million worldwide against a production budget of $45 million, indicating a successful box office performance. In 2010, he appeared in Tyler Perry’s “For Colored Girls,” which grossed $38 million on a $21 million budget. His later film roles included supporting parts in “From Zero to I Love You” and “Always a Bridesmaid” (2019), contributing to his ongoing income stream. The specific financial details of his contracts for these films are not publicly available; however, actors in supporting roles typically earn a fixed fee based on their experience and the film’s budget.
Richard Lawson’s Television Career
Lawson’s television career commenced in 1973 with guest roles in “Shaft” and “Kojak.” He continued to make guest appearances on shows like “Get Christie Love!,” “The Streets of San Francisco,” “Police Woman,” and “The Fantastic Journey.” In 1977, he landed his first main television role on the Australian series “Hotel Story,” although it was canceled before airing. The cancellation of “Hotel Story” meant a loss of potential earnings, although Lawson continued to pursue other opportunities.
In the 1980s, Lawson starred in the short-lived NBC series “Chicago Story” and had a recurring role as Nick Kimball in “Dynasty.” He also made guest appearances on shows like “V,” “Hardcastle and McCormick,” “St. Elsewhere,” “Wiseguy,” and “227.” From 1992 to 1993, he played Lucas Barnes on “All My Children,” a long-running ABC soap opera. These roles provided consistent income and helped him establish himself as a reliable television actor. For instance, actors in soap operas can earn anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 per episode for newer performers, to upwards of $10,000 per episode for more established actors.
In the late 1990s, Lawson had a recurring role in the sitcom “Sister, Sister.” In the 2000s, he made guest appearances on shows like “JAG,” “Strong Medicine,” “The District,” “For the People,” “Dead Like Me,” “All of Us,” and “Numb3rs.” His role in the 2003 Nickelodeon television film “Maniac Magee” added to his diverse portfolio. In 2011, he appeared in the Australian mockumentary miniseries “Angry Boys.” Later, he had roles in “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” “Being Mary Jane,” “Saints & Sinners,” “Stitchers,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” In 2017, he portrayed Joe Jackson in “Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland,” and in 2018, he played a main character’s father in “In Contempt.” Guest star roles on network television can range from a few thousand dollars per episode to tens of thousands, depending on the actor’s profile and the show’s budget.
Personal Life and Relationships
Richard Lawson’s personal life has also drawn media attention. From 1978 to 1989, he was married to Denise Gordy, with whom he had a daughter, Bianca Lawson, who is also an actress. In 2015, Lawson married Tina Knowles, the mother of singers Beyoncé and Solange Knowles. Their divorce in July 2023 marked the end of this high-profile marriage. Financial settlements in divorces can sometimes affect an individual’s net worth, depending on the terms of the agreement.
Early Life and Military Service
Born on March 7, 1947, in Loma Linda, California, Richard Lawson’s early life included service in the US Army during the Vietnam War, where he served as a medic for 21 months. While his military service is a significant part of his personal history, it does not directly impact his net worth.
